Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple

The one temple in Varanasi that actually looks its age. This carved stone Shiva shrine in Kandwa, about 8 km from Assi, is widely held to be the oldest surviving temple of the Kashi region: its fabric runs roughly from the 6th or 7th century to the 13th, and it is the only major temple here to have come through the medieval demolitions intact. It is also the first night halt of the Panchkroshi Yatra, the traditional five-day walk around Kashi, and it overlooks the large Kardama Kund tank built in the 18th century by Rani Bhavani of Natore. Heritage walks include it now; few visitors find it alone.

A pre-sultanate survivor most visitors never hear of: the oldest temple of the region